Whether you’re coming to Bristol to do your Christmas shopping or for a festive evening with friends, why not forget about the stresses of traffic and parking and hop on a First Bus instead?

These are some of our favourite things to do in Bristol, and how to get there by bus.  

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First Bus Travel the Season

No parking? No problem! 

We all know one of the biggest challenges of Christmas shopping (besides finding the perfect gift) is finding a parking space. Forget the hassle and jump on the bus instead!

For Bristol Shopping Quarter

Home to over 400 shops, cafes, restaurants and attractions and not forgetting the delights of the Christmas Market in Broadmead, this is a must-visit for when you’re doing your Christmas shopping! 

Bus services: 8, 70, 72 or 73 from Temple Meads station. If you’re travelling from elsewhere almost every First West of England service around and into Bristol stops within a short walking distance.  

Cabot Circus
Image: Cabot Circus

For Gloucester Road

Said to be the UK’s longest road of independent shops this is the place to go for quirky, retro or unique gifts! There are also loads of great places to eat and drink along the way. Make sure you also keep an eye out for all the street art including some by the world-famous Banksy. 

Bus services: 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 or Y6 from the city centre. 

For Clifton Village

With beautiful Georgian terraces all around you, Clifton Village is a treat to take a stroll through. It’s also the perfect place to find high-end independent shops full of designer clothing, jewellery, antiques, bespoke furniture & accessories. 

Bus services: Take service 8 from the city centre or Temple Meads station.

Clifton Suspension Bridge in the snow
Image: Clifton Suspension Bridge

Get merry with friends, get home with First Bus! 

Bristol is home to many amazing places to eat and drink, so enjoy your evening with friends and get home with First Bus. Don’t forget, lots of our services are 24/7 so you can party until the early hours and get home with First Bus for just £2! 

For the Harbourside

Bristol's Harbourside is a vibrant area filled with places to eat and drink, in a picturesque location with a view of the water. It’s a great place to meet up with foodie friends for a Christmas meal, or a mulled wine! 

Bus services: Take any service into the city centre. 

Pero's Bridge and Bristol Harbourside
Image: Pero's Bridge and Bristol Harbourside

For King Street

A classic after-work haunt for Bristolians, and right in the heart of the city for easy access to quirky pubs whether you’re after an Irish jig, some smooth jazz or German techno, King Street is a great place for a festive get together. 

Bus services: Take any service into the city centre. 

For Stokes Croft

Make a night of it in Stokes Croft, with tons of restaurants no matter what food you fancy, and just as many bars!  

Bus services: Take service 70, 73, 74, 75, 76. 

Banksy Mild Mild West
Image: Banky's Mild Mild West on Stokes Croft

Where’s the bus? It’s behind you! 

With evenings getting chillier and the rain rolling in, it’s the perfect time of year to have an evening at one of Bristol’s best venues for music, theatre, and comedy. There are many events across the city this festive period, whether that’s a date night at a gig or a pantomime with the whole family. 

For the Bristol Beacon

With a grand reopening at the end of November, Bristol Beacon is one of the most iconic Bristol venues. Located in a Grade II listed building, it’s an impressive place to see a gig or concert this Christmas. 

Bus services: Take any service into the city centre. 

For the Bristol Hippodrome

This December, enjoy an evening at the Hippodrome with the whole family. This Year’s Peter Pan pantomime adventure will have everyone rolling about laughing! 

Bus services: Take any service into the city centre.

Interior of Bristol Hippodrome
Image - Bristol Hippodrome

Easy come, easy go! 

Paying for the bus is easier than ever as you can now Tap On, Tap Off with your contactless card or device. You’ll automatically get the best value ticket with no need to ask for anything! It’s just £2 Single, £3.80 Return or £6 for unlimited all-day travel anywhere in Bristol from 4.30am to 4.29am the follow day!

If there’s a few of you just ask for a Bristol group ticket – up to 5 people of any age, get unlimited travel for the day for just £10 (offer available exclusively on the app until 31 December 2023).  

You could also download the free First Bus app to help you get around. The journey planner will not only show you what bus to catch but also where to walk to get to the bus stops and your destinations. 

First bus outside Temple Meads

This content was kindly sponsored by First Bus South West.

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